Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor who captured America's heart as Theo Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show,' has died at the age of 54. The actor reportedly drowned while swimming during a family vacation in Costa Rica.
The sudden loss of Warner, a fixture of television since the 1980s, has shocked fans. With a four-decade career in comedy, drama, music, and activism, Warner built a legacy beyond his breakout role.
According to People, Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred. Details surrounding the drowning remain under wraps, and a rep for the actor has yet to release an official statement.
Warner rose to fame as a teenager, cast as Theo Huxtable, the son of Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable on NBC’s 'The Cosby Show.' The series ran from 1984 to 1992 and was known for its impact and success.
Warner earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and quickly became a household name. “I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of,” Warner told People in a 2023 interview.
“We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other.” He continued, “Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I'm still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,"
After 'The Cosby Show,' Warner starred alongside Eddie Griffin in the UPN comedy 'Malcolm & Eddie,' which ran from 1996 to 2000. From 2011 to 2015, he led BET’s 'Reed Between the Lines' opposite Tracee Ellis Ross, and later took a series of roles in FX’s 'Sons of Anarchy,' FOX’s 'The Resident,' and 'Major Crimes.'